The Townsend Conservation Commission is looking for citizen volunteers to participate on an Open Space Committee to update the town’s Open Space

and Recreation Plan.  This Plan is critical to land use planning as it sets forth goals and objectives for the town to best utilize its resources while still allowing

population growth, protected habitats, neighborhood parks and outdoor recreation facilities.

To obtain the benefits of development without losing valued environmental assets, we must plan how the town uses its land.  Planning allows us to confront

and manage many aspects of the town’s growth and development in a way that preserves, protects and enhances the environment.  Planning provides the

opportunity to assess where we are, where we would like to go and how we might get there. 

An approved Open Space and Recreation Plan is a requirement of the State and is also used as a determining factor in awarding grants for land use projects

such as open space purchases and recreation facility upgrades.

The Commission is looking for volunteers with experience, involvement or interest in the following areas:
        1.      Open Space
        2.      Land Use Planning
        3.      Recreation and Playgrounds
        4. Environment and Natural Resource Management
        5. Rare and Endangered Species
        6. Trail Development and Use
        7. Community Character and Landscape Preservation
        8. Agricultural Resources

The process of updating the Plan may take up to a year, but all volunteers may not be involved in all aspects of the process.  The Committee will consist of 7-9

members and may meet 1-2 times per month as the work requires, with some subcommittees possible.

If you are interested, please submit a volunteer response form to the Conservation Commission or Town Clerk and you will be contacted.  If you have any

questions, please call Karen Chapman at 978-597-1723.